Start Broadband Internet Plans

Start Broadband is an Australian-owned internet service provider that offers plans on the National Broadband Network (NBN) across two speed tiers. Start is an internet provider that claims to pride itself on cutting through the red tape and making the whole service process much easier for its customers. The company is locally based, with an entirely Australian customer support team, and supports several charitable initiatives in the local community. But how does Start Broadband hold up as an internet provider? Read on to find out.

Start Broadband Features & Bonuses

As mentioned, Start is a social enterprise donating internet connections to disadvantaged families, but that’s not where the fun stops.

Start Broadband NBN Coverage

Start Broadband’s NBN coverage is much like that of many other providers; It is reliant on the National Broadband Network and its coverage across Australia. With that said, Start Broadband does have an NBN checker on its website so see what’s available at your address.

Start Broadband’s NBN extends to all capital cities and major regional hubs – mostly down the eastern seaboard. With the bulk of NBN connections already established, chances are you may be covered. Still, if you aren’t, it’s probably only a matter of time until you are.

Start Broadband Features & Bonuses

The process for creating your Start Broadband plan couldn’t be much easier. Simply pick what type of connection you have at your place – your data allowance, then your download speeds, talk add-ons and if you want a pre-configured modem or not.

• Home phone: NBN plans include a VoIP NBN phone as standard with PAYG calls, to which you can add call packages if you so choose.
• No lock-in contracts: Start Broadband offers both three-month contract and a no-contract plans.
• Modem: Start Broadband also provides you the opportunity to either BYO modem, or purchase a pre-configured Google Nest WiFi unit. You can purchase up to three through Start NBN and configure a Mesh network.

The kicker with this is that it’s guaranteed to be compatible with your NBN connection, whereas the BYO method may not. Nevertheless, Start’s technicians are apparently there to help in the process.

Start Broadband Home Phone Packs

Significant enough of an optional extra, these home phone packs – especially the international pack – are pretty exciting. NBN plans include VoIP PAYG, with rates as follows:

• Local calls 20c each
• National calls 20c/minute capped at $3
• Mobiles 35c per minute
• Call connection/flagfall 40c for timed calls only
• 13/1300 numbers 40c each

Start Broadband NBN Plans

Start Broadband keeps things incredibly simple for its customers by only offering two plans – “Fast” NBN 50, and “Superfast” NBN 100/40. Customers can choose between a three-month contract or a no-contract plan. All plans include unlimited data.

There are no setup fees, and customers can sign up with a Google Nest WiFi modem bundled in, preconfigured to Start Broadband’s settings. Customers can purchase up to three of these devices through Start Broadband, and configure a mesh network for their home, so that there aren’t any WiFi dropouts around the house. NBN plans come with a PAYG home phone line.

Start Broadband Support & Other Details

Start Broadband boasts support in Australia, with operating hours from 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

• 1300 475 155 is the support or sales number.
• customerservice@startbroadband.com.au is the customer email contact.

The site also boasts an FAQ page, where many troubleshooting issues can be solved. The telco also boasts a 24/7 callback centre where support staff can get back to you as soon as possible.

How does Start Broadband compare to other providers?

Start Broadband is generally quite competitive in the broader market, and if you’re after a telco with a social conscience, it may be well worth a look into. While Start does look to be higher priced compare to other unlimited providers in its ilk, you do have to consider if the social initiatives are worth paying extra for. For some, this may be yes.

While Start is uncommon in telcos in that its a social enterprise, other providers like Start include:

• Mate Communicate
• Barefoot Telecom
• iiNet
• Internode
• Exetel

All five tend to offer similarly-priced plans, with Start often costing just that little bit extra. That said, if you want internet with a conscience, Start stands out.

Is a Start Broadband internet plan right for me?

Start Broadband offers a pretty concise range of NBN plans. As far of the cheapest plans, however, there are a range of other providers out there offering similar plans for less money. Simply put, there are other providers offering not just cheaper prices, but more data for less of your dollars.

• Some other providers include home phone packs in their prices, and some go one further to have no set-up fees, with no contract.
• On the plus side, Start Broadband’s lack of start-up fees with the longer term contracts makes it more attractive.

If you’re looking for a cheaper prices and more ‘bang for buck’, you will likely find what you’re looking for with another provider. However, some consideration must be given to Start’s social initiative, providing free internet to disadvantaged families. It may not be something you think about, but connecting more Australians to the internet can only be a good thing, right?

Other articles worth reading

• The Cheapest NBN Plans
• Australia’s Top NBN Plans
• NBN Speed Tiers Explained
• Checking If Your Router is NBN-Ready

About the author of this page

This page was written and is regularly updated by Canstar Blue’s Telco Editor, Tara Donnelly. Having spent over seven years writing for and editing telco comparison websites, she’s an expert in all things phone & internet, including NBN plans, wireless technology, the latest mobile devices and how to find the best deal for your family. She loves to highlight the next best deals, while also flagging the things you need to be aware of.

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